Dr. Suess is one of the beloved children’s authors. The Read Across America is celebrated every year on 2nd March to honor his birthday. Every year children read Dr. Seuss’s amazing books on this day. However, things changed this year and Dr Suess canceled on the Read Across America day.
Keep reading to know why he got canceled?
Virginia school system banned Dr. Suess
For years, children read Dr. Suess’s books and had no issues with them at all. Over the past few years, Dr. Suess has received a lot of criticism for his books. Many schools have started to disconnect with Dr. Suess at this year’s Read Across America day. Moreover, the Virginia school system canceled Dr. Suess. Although his books have been a children’s staple for years, they said that his books contain “strong racial undertones”. The school’s spokesperson said, “We believe in equity and culturally responsive instructions”. This is why they are banning his books.
Is Dr. Suess a racist?
Many activists are standing against Dr. Suess. They said they will promote other diverse books instead of Dr. Suess’s books. They said children will read other books that will affect them in a positive and uplifting way. The National Education Association also stands against Dr. Suess’s racial books. The district stated that they have become more culturally responsive and racially conscious. Dr. Suess wrote many books like The Grinch, the Cat in the Black Hat, and Horton Hears a Who. He also illustrated political cartoons that clearly show racism. That illustration includes an anti-Japanese American political cartoon depicting African Americans for sale. He also made images that were and still are hurtful in many ways.
Final thoughts
Dr. Suess’s books will be available in the district other than the schools. He had brought joy, laughter to children’s life. Dr. Suess canceled by most of the schools in the district. However, people pointed out the negative influence in his books. They don’t want to associate Dr. Suess with The Read Across America day anymore.
Feature image credits: https://www.seussville.com/
